Long-simmering tensions between Tuvalu and the United Kingdom, its former colonial power, surfaced at the end of 1992 when Britain’s minister of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs criticized Tuvalu’s economic policy and, in particular, public-service pay increases. In response, Prime Minister Bikenibeu Paeniu maintained that the British government had not adequately prepared the island nation for independence and did not appreciate Tuvalu’s development priorities. He noted that the pay increases did not even cover inflation and that, with the salaries for top public servants at no more than $A 11,000, Tuvalu lagged significantly behind its neighbours. Tuvalu’s financial projections showed a surplus of $A 1.5 million on a budget of $A 1.8 million for 1993, and further surpluses were expected through 1996.

Following a general election in mid-1993, the Parliament was deadlocked over its selection of prime minister. After Parliament had twice failed to resolve the issue, Gov.-Gen. Toaripi Lauti dissolved Parliament on September 22 and scheduled a new general election for November 25. Kamuta Laatasi was elected prime minister on December 10. Barrie K. Macdonald